Safe chimney animal removal and cleanup in Carrollwood

When a young swift falls into the fireplace

A young swift can drop out of the nest and land on the smoke shelf or in the firebox. In that case the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants homeowners to reach a migratory bird rehabilitator, who knows whether the bird should go back to the nest or into care.

Do not feed a fallen nestling or try to push it back up the flue. Keep pets away, keep the fireplace closed and make the call. We can help you confirm the kind of bird and plan the chimney work that follows the season.

How bats leave before the chimney is sealed

Bats are removed from buildings by exclusion, not by trapping. An exclusion device lets bats leave but not come back, and Florida's rule sets weather conditions for how long the device must be in place before openings are sealed.

That work belongs with a wildlife professional who handles bat exclusions. Once the bats are out and the exclusion period is complete, our team cleans the chimney and fits a cap or screen that keeps them from returning.

Bats that are sealed in instead of excluded may find their way into the living space or die inside the chimney. Doing the exclusion properly the first time avoids both results.

A cap that can come off for cleaning

The code also requires the spark arrestor to be reachable for cleaning, with a screen or cap that can be removed so the flue can be swept. A cap that is sealed or screwed down so it cannot come off makes the next cleaning harder than it needs to be.

Screens also collect debris over time, and a clogged screen restricts the flow of smoke. We fit caps that can be removed for service and check the screen during later inspections.

A cap that comes off for service also makes any later animal problem easier to deal with, because the top of the flue can be checked without cutting anything loose.

Other animals that end up in chimneys

Birds, bats, squirrels and raccoons are the visitors people ask about most, but they are not the only ones. Any animal that climbs or flies can reach an open chimney top, and some fall in by accident rather than choosing the flue as a home.

The first steps are the same whatever the animal. Keep the fireplace closed, keep people and pets away and describe what you have heard or seen. We identify what we can and explain who should handle the animal before any chimney work begins.